Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle Reading App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Do you catch yourself singing a song in church without paying attention to the words? Open Your Hymnal,/i> is a collection of thirty devotions that transport the wisdom of classic hymns and gospel songs into the twenty-first century. Introduce yourself to the rich spiritual heritage that hymnals contain or gain a new perspective on songs you’ve sung since childhood. Whether you sing in the choir loft, pew, or shower, the refreshing biblical insights in this book will enhance your appreciation of the words you sing every time you open a hymnal.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As wonderful as contemporary Christian music is to me, I would miss
singing the great hymns of the faith. Their words tell the gospel,
provide great insight and inspiration, and lift my faith. In this book
of devotions, Denise Loock skillfully reflects on some of these hymns by
connecting them with Scripture and with our personal spiritual lives.
The result is a unique collection of devotions that will touch your
heart as you open your hymnal along with your Bible." - Kathleen Hayes, former editor, The Secret Place

Review

“As wonderful as contemporary Christian music is to me, I would miss singing the great hymns of the faith. Their words tell the gospel, provide great insight and inspiration, and lift my faith. In this book of devotions, Denise Loock skillfully reflects on some of these hymns by connecting them with Scripture and with our personal spiritual lives. The result is a unique collection of devotions that will touch your heart as you open your hymnal along with your Bible.” - Kathleen Hayes, Editor, The Secret Place “Few things are quite so moving, reassuring, and comforting as the familiar texts of inspiring hymns we have loved and sung for generations. Thank you, Denise, for rekindling these messages and shedding new light on songs so near to the hearts of people of faith!” - Dave and Cheryl Ellington, Career Worship Leaders, Covington, KY “Denise Loock's Open Your Hymnal powerfully relates Scripture, hymns, and biblical knowledge to everyday life. Her 30 devotions are written in such a way that it creates in the reader a desire to reflect upon what has been shared and then to delve deeper. These easy-to-read insights also make the reader want to become familiar with hymns once again and be blessed by their inspired words.” - Jane Carrier Allen, Minister of Worship and Bible Professor, Sneads Ferry, NC "These devotions have poured into my soul a deep love for the God we serve, rooted in the history of biblical and religious figures throughout the ages. What a gift. Denise's style is light but penetrating. It convicts and comforts and draws my heart to the Lord." - Connie Cartisano, PhD, Stay-at-Home-Mom and Retreat Speaker, Hackettstown, NJ “Reaching across all denominations, Denise Loock ties together beloved hymns with their scriptural backgrounds. She brings old-fashioned wording to life by adding a contemporary twist to her devotions. The reader is enlightened, not bewildered, by her inclusion of Greek roots for key words. I would recommend Open Your Hymnal to anyone who enjoys singing hymns or wants to give a treasured gift.” - Cathy Smith, State Newsletter Editor for United Methodist Women, Ocean, NJ

More About the Author

Denise Kelso Loock's devotions and stories appear in best-selling books and magazines. She teaches women's Bible studies and speaks at luncheons and conferences. She also posts biweekly devotions on her website: digdeeperdevotions.com.

Other than teaching and studying the Bible, her favorite activities are gardening, rooting for the Yankees, watching the antics of her two cats, reading, and taking leisurely walks.

She and her husband live in the beautiful Smoky Mountains.

You can contact her through her website: www.digdeeperdevotions.com

Where else can you read what Denise has written? Recent works include--

"The Motherhood Marathon" in Chicken Soup for New Moms

"Bargains and Boundaries" in Chicken Soup's What I Learned from the Cat

"Imperfect, Not Incompetent" in A Cup of Comfort for New Mothers

A variety of devotions in The Upper Room devotional magazine, The Secret Place devotional magazine, and Penned from the Heart

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

I don't know how so many people gave this 5 stars. I'm quite disappointed in it, and in fact it may be the first e-book I return. I was sorely disappointed to find that the lyrics to the hymn being discussed are not included. There are some brief excerpts, but if you do not have a hymnal handy that has the full lyrics, you will not get the connection between what the author is writing and the original content of the hymn.

I did appreciate that there were some scripture references relating to each hymn, and that there were some suggestions for further thought or action. But each entry was pretty brief, and the lack of the full hymn lyrics really did miss the mark, in my opinion.

There have been daily devotionals printed in the past that gave the full hymn, the author's background and what influenced them to write the hymn. I loved those books, and will have to look around see if I can find one again. They were much deeper and more meaningful if you really love the theology of old hymns, as I do.

this book is a perfect companion to your bible reading each day,or read by itself.it's from the heart ,christian writing.whether you just started with bible studies and devotions or never thought to, this is the one for you.long time christians will love this book,and feel the way i do,that it's a keeper,a must have book!guess what my friends will be getting this Christmas.?

Open Your Hymnal is a treasure that will inspire you to dig deep into the meaning of each hymn & writer. Each chapter is inspirational. I love the Hymns of old, and this writer has prompted me to use them in my personal devotionals and to share them with others. The writer brings sunshine to the table, and that makes for a good read. But most of all the writer inspires me with her love & knowledge of the Word of God. "Open Your Hymnal" makes a great gift.Pat Spies

If you enjoy hymns, then you'll be blessed by reading this book. It provides information and insight on a variety of hymns, drawing you deeper into the heart of the hymn writer and closer to the Lord. Consider using it for your devotional reading, and then keep it on your bookshelf as a reference book for later, when you've just sung a hymn in church and want to review its significance. In a world where hymns are getting pushed aside in many churches, this book will remind you of their eternal spiritual value.

In recent months and twice in February, I have used "Open Your Hymnal" for illustrations in my messages. "Open your Hymnal" is an excellent resource for pastors, Sunday School teachers and all who engage in public ministry. It is also a source of great comfort on home and hospital visits. I highly recommend it.

I read Denise Loock's book for my devotional each morning. I thoroughly enjoyed it. She points out biblical truths that the song writers emphasized in their songs. Buy it, you'll like it.Ron and Phyllis Dolislager

Denise K. Loock's book of devotionals is aptly titled - it really does harmonize scripture and song. I was drawn to this book because I do, indeed, sometimes find myself singing along to hymns without paying much attention to the words. I like the way the author has woven scripture, history, and lyrics together to create unique devotionals that connect scripture and song, as well as putting them in context together.

My only complaint is that most of the songs are completely unfamiliar to me. I was hoping to find a few more I recognized so that I could carry my heightened awareness of the lyrics with me to church, but few of these songs are among those we sing, or even in our hymnal. Perhaps that is an issue of copyright, or merely personal preference.

I noticed this afternoon that there is a second volume of these devotionals by Ms. Loock - definitely something I will take a look at!